German automakers are looking for a way out of participating in the Tokyo motor show, but no one wants to be the first to announce it, according to Automotive News Europe.
The industry publication is reporting that BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both decided to withdraw from the show in order to cut costs and that Volkswagen and supplier Robert Bosch have not yet rendered a decision on the matter.
The German automotive industry paper Automobilwoche is also reporting that, according to its sources, Audi has followed suit and will pull out too, but has not yet officially announced the decision. The report says that automakers in Germany have discussed the matter with each other.
US automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have already withdrawn from the Tokyo show, as have Volvo, Saab, Peugeot, Fiat, Jaguar and Land Rover. At one point, the body that oversees the bi-annual event had considered canceling it but as of now, the show is still on, although the lack of European participation may change that.
It looks like the Tokyo motor show, if it happens at all, is going to be for Asian automakers only and the event will lose its international luster. A sad state of affairs, isn't it?
Anthropos
March 24, 2009 5:57 PM
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